I got a cellphone ticket now what do I do?

Fines and Penalties Related to Cell Phone Tickets

For your first cell phone ticket for talking on the phone, you will receive a $142+ fine, as well a mark on your permanent record. Your insurance rates will go up if you do not take traffic  school to get the incident removed from your driving record. Your second offense for this same violation will land you a whopping $190 fine, and additional penalties. For texting while driving, fines range from $159+ for your first offense, to $200+ or more for subsequent violations.

These fines can be substantial, but with the help of traffic school, you can get rid of the blemish from your dmv record!

Talking on the Phone While Driving

California law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle. However, the restrictions vary depending on the driver’s age.

Drivers 18 and Older

For the most part, drivers who are at least 18 years old are allowed to use hands-free phones while driving. These drivers can use Bluetooth or other earpieces, but cannot cover both ears. The law also allows drivers 18 years or older to use the speakerphone function of a wireless phone.

Drivers Younger Than 18

The law is more restrictive for drivers who are under the age of 18. These underage drivers cannot use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop, or any other electronic communication device (whether handheld or hands-free) to either speak or text while driving, period. The only exception is for using a wireless device in an emergency situation to call the police, fire, or medical personnel.

Exceptions to the Handheld Cell Phone Ban

A few exceptions apply to the general ban. Handheld cellphones may be used:

• to make an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, medical provider, fire department, or other emergency service agency
• by those operating authorized emergency vehicles
• by those operating a school or transit bus and using the phone for work-related or emergency purposes
• by those operating vehicles on private property

Although these exceptions are written into the law, they don’t come up very often.

Save on Auto Insurance After a Ticket

Tickets are unavoidable eventually you will get one, but don’t loose your discounts.  Start Traffic School Here.  A ticket stays on your record for three years, keeping you from getting good driver discount as much as it is one more thing to do and an extra cost it is very much worth it to choose the traffic school option.

Cellphone Ticket FAQ